Indépendant Rolex Service
Discussion
Hello
I have a 20 year old Submariner / Date.
It was serviced about 12 years ago - It was a free Service offered when I bought the watch new.
Rolex Sub. service -
Would you send it to Rolex , probably gone for a few months from what I believe
or
Try an Independent Rolex workshop ?
If indépendant can anyone recommend one please ??
Thanks.
I have a 20 year old Submariner / Date.
It was serviced about 12 years ago - It was a free Service offered when I bought the watch new.
Rolex Sub. service -
Would you send it to Rolex , probably gone for a few months from what I believe
or
Try an Independent Rolex workshop ?
If indépendant can anyone recommend one please ??
Thanks.
I’ll go straight in with my stepfather, Rocco, at Watchworks:
www.watchworks.co.uk
As a sole trader he’s been able to carry on through lockdown so decent timescales at the moment, and he’s Rolex certified.
www.watchworks.co.uk
As a sole trader he’s been able to carry on through lockdown so decent timescales at the moment, and he’s Rolex certified.
I trusted https://watchguy.co.uk/ to service my late fathers Rolex, it holds huge sentimental value and I don't like letting it out of my sight but off it went.
Was gone for about 4-5 weeks, Christian was uploading lots of photos of it being stripped down etc was amazing to see, cost about £260 in total.
I would recommend them, its worth it to get all the photos of its stripped down!
Was gone for about 4-5 weeks, Christian was uploading lots of photos of it being stripped down etc was amazing to see, cost about £260 in total.
I would recommend them, its worth it to get all the photos of its stripped down!
I was in a similar position a few months ago, my Rolex GMT2 (2002) and Omega Speedmaster both needed a service but I couldn't find a safe way of sending them away with adequate insurance cover so ended up using the (expensive) AD route for the Rolex and the Omega is still waiting so if anybody has found a safe and insured way of sending......
L1OFF said:
I was in a similar position a few months ago, my Rolex GMT2 (2002) and Omega Speedmaster both needed a service but I couldn't find a safe way of sending them away with adequate insurance cover so ended up using the (expensive) AD route for the Rolex and the Omega is still waiting so if anybody has found a safe and insured way of sending......
If your really worried about it.Why not drive to the workshop yourself and hand it over.
Collect the same way.
My Guys premises are about 120 miles away in Cumbria.
Lovely drive out.
Just needs a little organising.
mickyh7 said:
If your really worried about it.
Why not drive to the workshop yourself and hand it over.
Collect the same way.
My Guys premises are about 120 miles away in Cumbria.
Lovely drive out.
Just needs a little organising.
Yeh Christian offered this as well. I decided to post in the end. Why not drive to the workshop yourself and hand it over.
Collect the same way.
My Guys premises are about 120 miles away in Cumbria.
Lovely drive out.
Just needs a little organising.
I get what the OP is saying as I've got an Airking that could do with a service as it grunches on wind up and doesn't stay accurate/run for long. The sending it away (hoping it will get there and back) and especially the price Rolex want nowadays is just bonkers.
Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
Nath911t said:
I get what the OP is saying as I've got an Airking that could do with a service as it grunches on wind up and doesn't stay accurate/run for long. The sending it away (hoping it will get there and back) and especially the price Rolex want nowadays is just bonkers.
Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
Just the same as using a Dealer.Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
Proper Rip Off. But you get the stamp.
Independent Watchmakers all day long for me.
You still get paperwork to go in your Box!
Same as my car, Audi just take the P these days. Some great Independents around.
Ask on the watch forums.
Sam99 said:
Hello
I have a 20 year old Submariner / Date.
It was serviced about 12 years ago - It was a free Service offered when I bought the watch new.
Rolex Sub. service -
Would you send it to Rolex , probably gone for a few months from what I believe
or
Try an Independent Rolex workshop ?
If indépendant can anyone recommend one please ??
Thanks.
Took my to my local dealer in Aberdeen, they sent it away, only gipe was when I picked it up, the second hand was jerking around, they had to return it to the Rolex place to be fixed. I have a 20 year old Submariner / Date.
It was serviced about 12 years ago - It was a free Service offered when I bought the watch new.
Rolex Sub. service -
Would you send it to Rolex , probably gone for a few months from what I believe
or
Try an Independent Rolex workshop ?
If indépendant can anyone recommend one please ??
Thanks.
Nath911t said:
I get what the OP is saying as I've got an Airking that could do with a service as it grunches on wind up and doesn't stay accurate/run for long. The sending it away (hoping it will get there and back) and especially the price Rolex want nowadays is just bonkers.
Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
This gets asked very frequently. We should have a sticky. The same is true for all manufacturer versus independent watchmakers.Is a Rolex service really worth what they want and what do they do that others don't?
* What everyone does, manufacturers and independents:
Strip down movement completely.
Clean all parts.
Re-assemble and lubricate.
Check timing and adjust.
* What may need prompting at an independent, but a manufacturer will (should) do:
Replacement of gaskets.
Waterproofing test.
Timing to COSC spec.s if a chronometer.
* What a manufacturer can do that an independent may not be able to:
Replacement of broken or damaged parts. YOU SHOULD NOT NEED THIS ON A SERVICE.
Replacement of dial and hands.
Basically this is because the independent may not be able to get the spare parts. If you've looked after your watch it shouldn't need any parts. If it does, your watchmaker will tell you. You're sending your watch for an oil change. You wouldn't send your car to a main dealer for an oil change just because the independent can't get hold of, say, piston rings. You might do it because you want a main dealer service stamp, but you do so recognising that the stamp is the only thing that you're paying the extra for.
* What you should be clear that you do not want, whether main dealer or independent:
Case polishing.
Replacement of dial & hands.
I know since Swatch bought out many brands including Omega, they have stopped releasing spares. So some repairs are now impossible with independents.
I needed the tiniest date change gearwheel replaced in my Seamaster a year or two ago , and I was told they were very lucky to obtain one!
My repair cost £120 including a service and pressure test.
I dread to think what Omega would have charged?
I needed the tiniest date change gearwheel replaced in my Seamaster a year or two ago , and I was told they were very lucky to obtain one!
My repair cost £120 including a service and pressure test.
I dread to think what Omega would have charged?
A Rolex service doesn’t just get you a rip-off stamp.
In addition to mikeveal’s comments, you get:
- Replacement of quite a few movement parts as standard (besides gaskets) that Rolex deem consumable due to wear, within the standard cost - unless you’re an independent with a parts account, that won’t be happening, and if it is, it’s likely at extra cost. Yes, if it’s just a routine service then working movements can be simply cleaned, oiled & regulated to run well enough without a NEED to replace some of those parts, but is it the best approach? Depends.
- 2-year warranty, whereas many independents offer 6 months to a year.
- Rolex service papers - handy if you don’t have the originals and want to sell the watch on. Yes, they’re easily faked and informed buyers wouldn’t rely upon them, but for many they do provide a measure of authenticity confidence and they do add to resale value.
- Insurance - both shipping and whilst onsite. I am a huge fan of Christian (‘Watchguy’) mentioned above, but if your watch is lost in transit and you’re only covered by RMSD, then you’re totally stuffed. And nor does Christian’s insurance cover your watch at all times on his premises, as he openly admits. A small risk, sure, but one I’d rather close a loophole on.
- Polishing optionally included as standard. Maybe you want it, maybe you don’t, that’s another discussion. But with an independent you’ll probably be paying extra.
- Hell, even sell on your green service pouch or other Rolex gubbins to someone online with more money than sense.
I’m not a Rolex cheerleader, but it’s simply important to note a difference in what your paying for & getting.
It’s also important to make a distinction between a true independent i.e. not Rolex-accredited and with no access to a parts account, and those independents who do have both, like Duncan at Genesis.
Depending upon what the watch (and/or owner) needed, I’d probably go down the Genesis etc. route - all the full benefits of Rolex servicing but slightly cheaper and with more flexibility/sympathy in what they do.
Plenty of very fine indepents can do a simple oil, clean & reassembly though, if it’s all you want.
In addition to mikeveal’s comments, you get:
- Replacement of quite a few movement parts as standard (besides gaskets) that Rolex deem consumable due to wear, within the standard cost - unless you’re an independent with a parts account, that won’t be happening, and if it is, it’s likely at extra cost. Yes, if it’s just a routine service then working movements can be simply cleaned, oiled & regulated to run well enough without a NEED to replace some of those parts, but is it the best approach? Depends.
- 2-year warranty, whereas many independents offer 6 months to a year.
- Rolex service papers - handy if you don’t have the originals and want to sell the watch on. Yes, they’re easily faked and informed buyers wouldn’t rely upon them, but for many they do provide a measure of authenticity confidence and they do add to resale value.
- Insurance - both shipping and whilst onsite. I am a huge fan of Christian (‘Watchguy’) mentioned above, but if your watch is lost in transit and you’re only covered by RMSD, then you’re totally stuffed. And nor does Christian’s insurance cover your watch at all times on his premises, as he openly admits. A small risk, sure, but one I’d rather close a loophole on.
- Polishing optionally included as standard. Maybe you want it, maybe you don’t, that’s another discussion. But with an independent you’ll probably be paying extra.
- Hell, even sell on your green service pouch or other Rolex gubbins to someone online with more money than sense.
I’m not a Rolex cheerleader, but it’s simply important to note a difference in what your paying for & getting.
It’s also important to make a distinction between a true independent i.e. not Rolex-accredited and with no access to a parts account, and those independents who do have both, like Duncan at Genesis.
Depending upon what the watch (and/or owner) needed, I’d probably go down the Genesis etc. route - all the full benefits of Rolex servicing but slightly cheaper and with more flexibility/sympathy in what they do.
Plenty of very fine indepents can do a simple oil, clean & reassembly though, if it’s all you want.
UnclePat said:
A Rolex service doesn’t just get you a rip-off stamp.
In addition to mikeveal’s comments, you get:
- Replacement of quite a few movement parts as standard (besides gaskets) that Rolex deem consumable due to wear, within the standard cost - unless you’re an independent with a parts account, that won’t be happening, and if it is, it’s likely at extra cost. Yes, if it’s just a routine service then working movements can be simply cleaned, oiled & regulated to run well enough without a NEED to replace some of those parts, but is it the best approach? Depends.
- 2-year warranty, whereas many independents offer 6 months to a year.
- Rolex service papers - handy if you don’t have the originals and want to sell the watch on. Yes, they’re easily faked and informed buyers wouldn’t rely upon them, but for many they do provide a measure of authenticity confidence and they do add to resale value.
- Insurance - both shipping and whilst onsite. I am a huge fan of Christian (‘Watchguy’) mentioned above, but if your watch is lost in transit and you’re only covered by RMSD, then you’re totally stuffed. And nor does Christian’s insurance cover your watch at all times on his premises, as he openly admits. A small risk, sure, but one I’d rather close a loophole on.
- Polishing optionally included as standard. Maybe you want it, maybe you don’t, that’s another discussion. But with an independent you’ll probably be paying extra.
- Hell, even sell on your green service pouch or other Rolex gubbins to someone online with more money than sense.
I’m not a Rolex cheerleader, but it’s simply important to note a difference in what your paying for & getting.
It’s also important to make a distinction between a true independent i.e. not Rolex-accredited and with no access to a parts account, and those independents who do have both, like Duncan at Genesis.
Depending upon what the watch (and/or owner) needed, I’d probably go down the Genesis etc. route - all the full benefits of Rolex servicing but slightly cheaper and with more flexibility/sympathy in what they do.
Plenty of very fine indepents can do a simple oil, clean & reassembly though, if it’s all you want.
Indecently, Duncan at Genesis is where my Omega goes!In addition to mikeveal’s comments, you get:
- Replacement of quite a few movement parts as standard (besides gaskets) that Rolex deem consumable due to wear, within the standard cost - unless you’re an independent with a parts account, that won’t be happening, and if it is, it’s likely at extra cost. Yes, if it’s just a routine service then working movements can be simply cleaned, oiled & regulated to run well enough without a NEED to replace some of those parts, but is it the best approach? Depends.
- 2-year warranty, whereas many independents offer 6 months to a year.
- Rolex service papers - handy if you don’t have the originals and want to sell the watch on. Yes, they’re easily faked and informed buyers wouldn’t rely upon them, but for many they do provide a measure of authenticity confidence and they do add to resale value.
- Insurance - both shipping and whilst onsite. I am a huge fan of Christian (‘Watchguy’) mentioned above, but if your watch is lost in transit and you’re only covered by RMSD, then you’re totally stuffed. And nor does Christian’s insurance cover your watch at all times on his premises, as he openly admits. A small risk, sure, but one I’d rather close a loophole on.
- Polishing optionally included as standard. Maybe you want it, maybe you don’t, that’s another discussion. But with an independent you’ll probably be paying extra.
- Hell, even sell on your green service pouch or other Rolex gubbins to someone online with more money than sense.
I’m not a Rolex cheerleader, but it’s simply important to note a difference in what your paying for & getting.
It’s also important to make a distinction between a true independent i.e. not Rolex-accredited and with no access to a parts account, and those independents who do have both, like Duncan at Genesis.
Depending upon what the watch (and/or owner) needed, I’d probably go down the Genesis etc. route - all the full benefits of Rolex servicing but slightly cheaper and with more flexibility/sympathy in what they do.
Plenty of very fine indepents can do a simple oil, clean & reassembly though, if it’s all you want.
Obviously, some Independents are not as good as others.
That's where recommendations come in.
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